FUTIA Holds Orientation Programme for Freshers

The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) has successfully completed a 2 -Day Orientation Programme for her new students admitted into the 24 Degree Programmes in the 2024/2025 Academic Session.

Declaring the event open at the University Pavilion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Leo Daniel, congratulated the students on their successful admission into the Institution and commended them for choosing the University as their first choice in pursuit of higher learning. 

"Let me congratulate you on behalf of the Governing Council and Management of the University for being worthy enough to be admitted into the Institution. I must commend and thank all of you for choosing the Institution as your first choice. We assure of you of a conducive learning environment, qualified Faculties and dedicated administrative staff to enhance your effectiveness in the University Community”, the VC assured. 

“Your admission into this Institution marks the beginning of a perfect preparation for the future of many possibilities for you, your parents, families, communities and the nation but this will however be dependent on your level of commitment to your studies, innovations, academic excellence, sportsmanship and extracurricular activities. As you begin this journey, we tasks you to prioritize only the activities that will contribute to your overall achievement of academic excellence”, the Vice Chancellor tasked.

The Vice Chancellor who is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics added; “Let me emphasis that FUTIA is one of the specialized Institutions established in June 2021 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to champion academic excellence in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Innovation and Research. We are committed to giving you the best training using our innovative Degree Programmes including Aerospace Engineering, Cybersecurity, Naval Architecture, Software/Hardware Engineering, Petroleum/Gas Engineering among others so that you can become useful members of the society while contributing your quota to solving some of the national challenges upon your graduation. We have professional Lecturers and faculties that will enable you come out tops in your respective fields and I want to add that you are privileged to be among the pioneer students of the University”. 

Prof. Daniel charged the students to take their studies seriously and eschew acts capable of ruining their efforts towards academic excellence. He commended the Federal Government and her Agencies including the Federal Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) among other stakeholders as well as Akwa Ibom State government for their efforts in providing counterpart supports and infrastructure for the Institution.

On her part, the Acting Dean of Students Affairs’ Division, Dr(Mrs) Charity Maxwell commended the Vice Chancellor and the entire Management for approving the hosting of the Orientation Programme, noting that the event will give the new students a smooth academic takeoff and stable footing as they begin their academic journey. She added that one of the goals of the exercise was to acquaint the freshers with the laws of the institution, as well as other issues needed to ensure smooth teaching and learning.

She expressed appreciation to all the resource persons for enriching the Orientation Exercise with their presentations.

Highpoint of the event was presentation of papers on "Channels of Communication in the University and General Information about FUTIA” by the University Registrar, Mrs Offiongita E. Nkang, “Bursary and You” by the University Bursar, Dr Mbobo Erasmus, “FUTIA Library: Rules & Regulation” by the University Librarian, Prof. Philip Akor, “Academic Success Strategies: University System, Examination and Result",  by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Felicia Etim, “Campus Safety, Security and Crime Prevention in and around the University” by the Chief Security of the Institution, Mr Uwem Umosen, “Drug Abuse and Related Social Vices- Cultism” by a Chief Superintendent of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in charge of Narcotics, Mr Bassey Bassey, “Career Choice and Development” by a Director of School of Prodigies, Dr Ukpai. Other papers presented on the second day of the Programme includes “Health Wellness and Campus Health Services” by the Acting Director of Health Services, Dr, Akemini Ikechi, “Time Management and Organization: Tips for FUTIA Students” by the Acting Provost -School of Computing & Information Technology, Dr. Ime Umoren, “ICT and You” by the Acting Director of ICT, Dr. Abasiama Akpan, “Adjustment Strategies on Campus and Off Campus Communities by the University Guidance & Counselling Officer, Mrs. Victoria Osiri, “School Rules and Regulations: Consequences of Breaking Rules” by the Head of Legal Unit, Barr.(Mrs) Mary Obot, “Scholarship and How to Access NELFUND Intervention by the FUTIA NELFUND Desk Officer, Itoro Gregory Frank (ACA), “Physical Fitness and Sports” by the University Sports Coach, Mr. Uku Uboho, “Relevance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Education” by the Acting Provost - School of Pure & Applied Sciences, Dr. Okon Etim, “Student Affairs Division and You” by the Acting Dean, Student Affairs Division, Dr Charity Ezinne Maxwell.

At the event, One of the freshers and a student of Petroleum/Gas Engineering, Emmanuel Clement expressed appreciation on behalf of the freshers to the Management and the Students Affairs Division for organizing the Orientation Exercise for the new students. Similarly, the Pioneer Students of the University admitted in the 2023/2024 Session represented by Alfred Peter presented “An Award of Honour” to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel and the Acting Dean of Student Affairs respectively In recognition of their outstanding leadership and promotion of academic excellence in the University.